What Spiritual "Empaths" and "Catalysts" might Learn From Each Other

Let me begin by saying I believe we ALL have varying degrees of empathic and catalytic qualities. The work here at Openhand draws people from both ends of the spectrum in equal measure. It often occurs to me that in the group work, each is reflecting to the other. Perhaps then, there are some things someone with more empathic qualities can learn about their gift from someone with more catalytic ones? (and vice versa). Perhaps, for example, there's something a "catalyst" naturally does, which is inherent to their nature, that an "empath" can also develop? And perhaps by opening to more empathic qualities, a "catalyst" can have a more sensitive effect on the field? That's the purpose of this exploration I invite you to join...

How the catalyst might help the empath

Firstly, let me begin by saying I think it's essential we don't fixate on the idea of being a "this" or a "that", an "empath" or a "catalyst". The risk is to create identity around the term, which can limit ones ability to respond authentically to the flow. In extreme cases, the labels could lead to oppressor or victim mentalities, which would clearly serve us to avoid. That said, I find the terms can still be of value, providing we don't fixate and form identities around them (for the rest of the article, the terms "empath" and "catalyst" will be used in quotes, so as to refer more to the relevant qualities).

A person with more empathic qualities is someone who can - and naturally does - take on the feelings and emotions of others as their own. It means they can literally feel what another is feeling. But this gift can become exceptionally challenging until it's properly developed and integrated. In taking on the emotions, thoughts and feelings of those around you, and society, you become awash with convoluted energy that can batter you around like a small sailing boat in a storm. It can raise high levels of anxiety and fear, a frequent fight/flight mechanism, which can at times, be challenging to live with.

But it needn't be like this. There is a solution. There is mastery of one's gift, of one's art.

Personally, these days, I find have both catalytic and empathic qualities, but with a tendency more to the catalytic. When I sit with people, where given to, I can literally feel what's going on inside their field. I can feel their blockages and see intuitively reflections of their karma; I can see entities and implants. The field is awash with this density - people's fields generally are. And I can see that if I couldn't switch this gift off, then I could potentially take the world upon my shoulders, and have it 'tidal wave' through my emotions.

You have to be able to always find your vibe, no matter what it going on. The point is, I actually don't have to switch these feelings off. Because I aire more on the catalytic, that just naturally happens. It's like my consciousness hones in on what it is supposed to, works with it, but then literally drops it like the proverbial hot coals. Once more, I find myself resting in the purity of my own vibration. So maybe there's a clue here for someone who aires more on the empathic side?

Feeling into Blockages

Let's look at the beneficial nature of having more empathic qualities for a moment. Because to truly unleash beingness and shed distortion, is to express the truth in the distortion - you're activating the distortion because the soul is trying to break through an area of limitation.

In having empathic tendencies as a spiritual catalyst, means that you can feel into and harmonise with the feelings of another - especially their density. In the Facilitator Work we do at Openhand, I get the group to practice expanding their field out to embrace their partner, then to explore exactly what they're feeling.

Then, as the "catalyst", you bring attention - energy - to the places you feel are blocked. You literally direct your focus to these places. And it's essential to also direct the partner to those feelings - so they're empowered through their own realisations and integrations. You can use intuitive questioning to explore why the blockage might be there... "Tell me what the word 'worthlessness' means to you?" for example. In this alchemical cauldron, merely the use of such a word, delivered intuitively, can be enough to spike a reaction, followed by an unwinding of identification, and then release.

It's like you're connecting inside your partner, harmonising with them, then resonating a frequency of realignment. The blockage unwinds and falls away - that blocked aspect of soul is reminded of itself; the soul then integrates; miraculous alchemical healing and transformation takes place.

None of this could have been possible without the empathic qualities. Paradoxically, a really good "catalyst", also has really good empathic qualities.

The Canary in the Coalmine

Someone with very strong empathic qualities, can also work in the field in quite a unique way (the same may be said for a "catalyst", they just work differently). A strong "empath" can take on all the nuances of another's energy, which could even be planetary system such as Gaia for example. Such a gift has the capacity to manifest the unseen - that which is repressed and hidden from clear sight. By revealing the density in this way, means that people with strong field catalytic tendencies can begin to work with it.

I've sat in many spiritual groups where somebody is sitting peacefully and in harmony, feeling very evolved, and yet the "empath" next to them is in emotional agony, expressing that which the other isn't yet willing or able to express.

That's why I often consider someone with strongly empathic qualities like the proverbial canary in the coalmine. That's what makes their gift so valuable to the world and the evolving group. That's why we should cherish these people and their gifts and not see them as some kind of affliction. Yet before they're developed, they can indeed manifest as the most difficult affliction - fear of the world, reclusiveness, hyper sensitivity, listlessness and directionless, lack of motivation, stress and anxiety. So how to deal with these challenges?

I'd say the key lies in the reflection the "catalyst" can offer.

The vital importance of setting effective boundaries

Someone with more catalytic tendencies inherently sets boundaries more effortlessly. For me, it just happens. You could sit me in the middle of an emotional hurricane, and I will still find my own vibration. So here's the first key - knowing your own vibration.

You have to keep exploring your own vibration as much as possible and in your own space as much as possible - especially if you're in partnership - especially if you're in partnership with a "catalyst" (which can, by the Law of Attraction, tend to happen - opposites attract!).

So this will involve developing your own rituals and practices: your own spiritual practice like meditation, yoga or tai chi for example; what you eat, when you eat, what NOT to eat - you can easily override these boundaries with a partner when they're less effected by the 'microclimate'.

Sensitivity is the key here. An "empath" is highly sensitive, and in order to centre in your vibration, you have to focus on the things that truly serve you and those that don't. Just because your partner enjoys something particular, and just because you feel a yearning to compromise behaviour, doesn't mean you should compromise your soul!

I see this as one of the other major hurdles for an "empath" to overcome - they have a highly active ray 4 - the diplomat aspect of the soul. They want to harmomise. But often overstretch the boundary so they dissolve into the other person's vibration. And here's where the difficulty begins. I'd say it's about embracing the sense of focus of the "catalyst". Not to close down on the world, no, but to be really clear about one's own boundaries. When you know your boundaries, then you can start to have a positive effect on the world through the field - which is where the catalytic side comes into its own. Less and less, are you being washed around by all the flotsam and jetsam. You become increasingly centred. Then when an inflow of negative energy begins to invade you, you can work with it as the "empath", and then realign it as the "catalyst". How?

Assert yourself: breathe in, impart your energy, breathe out

The best way I have witnessed, is to breathe it in, and relax, hold the breath, radiate it with light, then breathe it back out again, in the direction from whence it came.

You're accepting the energy, feeling into it, but being really clear it is not you. Then having a positive impact on it, by bringing your soul vibe to it, before breathing it back out again.

You're not rejecting your gift in this way. But neither are you getting lost in the external vibration. You're having a positive influence on it by asserting yourself. And in asserting yourself - your highest vibration of truth, love and light - then you're breathing that back out into the world and having a positive impact on it.

There might well be places where this incoming denser energy gets stuck first though - it can happen where there might be some subtle judgment of the world, which inadvertently aligns with the density. Maybe slightly veiling your incredible discernment of the energy, is subtle judgment of the impact it has on you? This is where there might be some reaction to the world by an unrealised aspect of soul. This is what we'll first have to work with, by softening into the contractions we feel - the reactions. We're breaking the emotional and mental 'triggers'. But softening into them doesn't mean accepting them as you. It means surrendering to the truth of them, but then working to release them - by bringing light into them in the way I've described.

So feel into any empathic contractions, soften into them, become as One in them, unwind through them, and then allow your higher self to infuse them with your own higher vibe. Then release them back out into the world from whence they came.

You might also have to raise the warrior in this experience, especially if the energy is particularly dense and clingy. I know this part is not always easy for someone with more sensitive empathic qualities, but you have to be clear about your own vibe, the importance that you stand assertively in your own truth.

Keep developing the Gift

I welcome the involvement of people with both these extraordinary empathic and catalytic gifts in the Openhand healing/realigning work. We can learn greatly from each other. We've been blessed thus far that so many of you have found your way to our shores. Long may it continue.

Remember we will each have a unique blend of these qualities, and to always look at the reflection your divine counterpart might offer - someone from the other side of the spectrum. The universe put us together for a reason!

Hopefully, this general approach might help ease and harmonise the wonderous empathic and catalytic tendencies we each embody. I encourage all to better understand and master our unique configurations for the good of all people in these often challenging times. When done so, we can be of immeasurable value to the 5D shift.

About Openhand:
Openhand is a bridge into higher dimensions of consciousness. It is a way of tapping into the benevolent guiding hand of the Universe, to help you align with your soul through life. It empowers people to be totally authentic in who they are, and in so doing, facilitating a profound shift of consciousness into a new vibrational paradigm, in the Fifth Density. Discover more...Openhandweb, Openhand fb, Openhand TV

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Comments

Thanks Open, insightful!
I can't relate very well - I say with much respect. My guidance in this sense has been to drop any notion of 'being an empath' or to see it as a gift. 'Just be'. It calls for some deep level of surrender and that's all it requires from a mental exploratory perspective- for me on this journey. Boundaries are being continually pushed to broken down and that's been the greatest thing. What is liberation if we are all creating shields and hiding in the corners? (I see you are not advising this ) Doesn't seem like a fun journey - can't we turn this on it's head and see that we are urged to develop some deep inner alchemy that works continually and in the deepest of 'overloads' isn't that the journey? If the furnace is on then the rest is mind stuff and subtle judgement getting in the way?

And I see here that these pointers are great and invaluable - and will no doubt help many but I do find it hard to relate. Probably because there's a configuration here that can't grasp it? I don't know?

I do honestly tire a little at reading how empaths are all so drained - and fighting off everyone else's stuff, just doesn't feel ok. And so everyone else is treading on egg shells round them? I've not enjoyed witnessing people do that around me, thankfully that's stopped :)) I thought maybe I shouldn't share what I feel about this but it's just another perspective. I feel like there needs to be a change if script around this?

Thank you Open again for the important insights u have described in this article about the Empaths and it`s divine counterpart the Spiritual Catalyst .
I am very aware of being a deep empath for many years . This powerful gift has certainly not been easy to use at its full potential - it needs more mastery , that`s certain . On the other side , it has brought incredible understanding of the human nature / the path to follow / feeling deep resonance with Mother Gaia and nature / and the development of psychic abilities . To protect myself from very heavy densities , people and places has often been a challenge . I still see that i do pick up from others lower vibrations at times , less than years ago . I still do often feel the need to take a shower to release any densities left or breathing exercices . Its getting more balanced with maturity and the years of practices . I will surely do the exercices explained above - i love its preciseness and trust it`s efficiency .
I came also to realize that there is some aspect of the catalyst within as well - it`s exploration is very interesting and has been very useful this year . Both have somehow worked together at times in a magical way and offers a new perspective on those formidable Soul gifts . My dear wish is to use them to work with people in a near future - A knowing is constantly reminding me of this inevitable path yet to unfold .
Much love ,
Jean

Katie, go for it girl, absolutely nothing like putting the cat amongst the pigeons! :-)

You said...

Can't we turn this on it's head and see that we are urged to develop some deep inner alchemy that works continually and in the deepest of 'overloads' isn't that the journey? If the furnace is on then the rest is mind stuff and subtle judgement getting in the way?

Woohoo! True Openhand style.

But there is a slight catch maybe - are you not a catalyst too? (I mean aswell as an empath). I strongly sense that you are - then maybe there's less of a problem in blazing the furnace?

With some though, they get battered around with emotional flotsam, and the furnace gets waterlogged too. So a little firing might be necessary.

I feel I am a Catalyst more than an Empath, recently looking back on world events with some of your Intuitive guidance I realized this now; but I have sooooo much work to Hone my skill set, I am at the very tip and beginning of discovering all of this. It feels like I am at the commencement of sharpening a dull knife :)

Open this is so timely as always. Wow – what an exciting journey of self-discovery. I recognise the empath within and your description of the energy that can “batter you around like a small sailing boat in a storm” really fits. I understand my learning needs as it is difficult sometimes to recognise which emotions, pain and fear are my own or others. The mental exhaustion and fog that can follow a ‘normal’ working day or a simple trip into a supermarket can be debilitating, equally the confusion that can arise when I enter the Tor for example and experience a sense of fear. So knowing my own vibration and being able to set boundaries is clearly key for me. It is often difficult for me to connect to my own soul, which emphasises the sense of separation if that makes sense? Yet somehow, it is exciting and joyful with that ‘knowing’ that I am moving forward. As Carl Sagan said, “I don’t know where I’m going but I’m on my way.” Awesome!

OK - thanks Open, I get that 'catch' that makes the difference. I can feel the catalyst arising, I'm thankful. But not forgetting that I've been bought to the threshold of energetic overload too at times - but by testing yourself and getting the encouragement to throw yourself into highly energised environments - there's the potential to unleash something new - right? ok over and out and big love from Kiama :)

Thanks for this awesome article! So many key things that I can relate to!!

For one I feel it is so important, if one is sensitive to get clear on what it means to push the boundaries. In the past there was a resistance within myself to honor the individual expression and so there was this willingness to always let down all the boundaries that might serve to separate 'this' from 'that'. There was a misunderstanding that pushing boundaries meant to also let go of any sense of the separate self. It's become clear over the last several years how important honoring the unique expression and centering in my own vibration then allows me to be in any circumstance and push the boundaries of conditioning, but not the boundaries of my own vibration... To feel centered in my own feeling no matter what is happening. Something in the words "but not the boundaries of my own vibration" is not feeling right to me though... Like there could be a limiting potential in holding on to how one's own vibration feels.

I can relate with the feelings you list here of feeling directionless, anxiety, fight or flight, lack of motivation. There is such a natural urge within to join with the other, to blend and kind of swim alongside each other, but when I am not centered in my own feeling I actually lose total site of what feels right for me... There becomes no preferences... I can have whatever, I can do whatever. We can go wherever because on one level, it really is true, I don't really need to make it go one way or another, but the point would be what am I truly feeling inside and when I am so overly blended with another I can't feel myself at all which of course feels directionless and unmotivating as well as stressful as you are riding on the waves of the externals without a true center.

So yes Kd1 I totally resonate with what you share here:
"If the furnace is on then the rest is mind stuff and subtle judgement getting in the way?"

The key for me at least was even recognizing my own furnace. It was very much like ohhhh! Here I am! And now as you said Open "embrace the sense of focus" - focus within on my own inner furnace and then the rest now feels entirely different.

I would also like to mention that there is also the other side of feeling others energy as your own... I have been realizing that at times I am around people whose energy feels great, uplifting and powerful. I am recognizing the tendency to "wear" it as mine rather than feel it as a mirror and tune into how my own vibration feels in their presence. It's easier to feel motivated to stay in your own energy when things are heavy - but there is also the dependency that can grow from needing to be around certain people to feel a vibe within yourself.

Thank you Open for a very enlightening article which really resonates with me. I have for many years taken on the feelings and energy of other people and find it very difficult to set boundaries. This has led me to being very drained in the company of certain people especially a life long friend who as you say "opposites attract," . I feel that there is an enormous "block" on my life and I can't seem to break through and find my "life purpose" so I just retreat into my own bubble where I constantly search for answers that will remove the block and lead me to that sense of purpose.. Strangely I am never more happier and content than when I am alone with my thoughts. But understand this can't be healthy retreating from the world back into my shell. I know that I am on the right path and will breakthrough in time but it can be quite painful at times not living in the "real world".
Thank you again for your insights and your help along the path.:)

Yes I know it's tough sometimes when you have empathic tendencies - my thoughts are with you <3

You said...

"I feel that there is an enormous "block" on my life and I can't seem to break through and find my "life purpose" so I just retreat into my own bubble where I constantly search for answers that will remove the block and lead me to that sense of purpose.

In the Openhand Approach, life's purpose is not something we're supposed to do. It's finding your authentic way of being, upon which, a path of light unfolds before you.

I'd say mastery of your empathic skills is going to be a significant part of your purpose. From which, everything will flow.

Open thank you for this insight it has helped further my understanding and I do believe I am starting to live my authentic way of being. However The path of light unfolding before me is where I am struggling. I suppose I have to further surrender to what is and let life take its course? I hope to join you again sometime again in 2016. I have attended your Gateway 1 teachings a few years ago . Any thoughts on the next step would be appreciated.
Thank you again for your teachings and guidance.
Blessings
Graham

The path is all about commitment and trust. You're asked to let go of trying to shape and control events. You're asked to trust in the step you're being guided to, without knowing whether you'll get it 'right' or how it will unfold. That's the trust!

In taking such steps - as guided by the soul - you'll start to react/respond to the situation life then puts you in. In this approach, you're always looking for the tightness it creates, then to unwind through that unleashing the lightness of your being - the path then chooses itself.

But it'll only choose itself because you unleashed the lightness of being.

We get into this in great detail on the 5GATEWAYS retreat (which is to become our new level 2).

I was resonating with a lot of what you said.
One thing I found interesting that you wondered - "Like there could be a limiting potential in holding on to how one's own vibration feels". I think its one to bear in mind that I'd not really thought of. I understand why you'd say that, that to see yourself as a fixed/boundaried vibration might limit you from reaching out beyond that and expanding. I imagine there's a point at which if you identify with that vibration then it limits you, yet it still feels real and valid. So I think the 'key' is in not "holding on", yet its tricky not to if you're trying to attune more to that energy. I think as one of the challenges is to bring one's own vibration through around louder energies, until you are really stable in that and 'know yourself' - which obviously doesn't mean 'thinking yourself' (e.g. living out ideas of yourself, patterns, wants etc), perhaps a degree of 'holding on' (identifying) is necessary. Its like perhaps you're trying to reach right through to Presence without recognising that Presence is experienced in (or in relation to) relativity, and to indivuality in a sense. Don't know if that makes sense, just think it'd be a bit pointless if you don't feel/express your own essence. and if you feel overwhelmed by others energies then its worth working to amplify that (you). plus feels good.
love

Thank you for the reflection- it is so appreciated. Yes there is this bit of resistance within around the fixation on ones felt vibration. I suppose it is the same as honoring ones individual unique expression, yet not being identified with it. The question that comes up for me relates to a perceived boundary between feeling ones own vibration and Pure Presence...perhaps it is just that there is for me still identification with the feeling as who I am, rather than the sense of nothing through it and I trust this unfolds naturally as we walk the path. For now attuning to my own vibe feels key. Thanks Ben!

Hello all,
I have a question that I would like to ask everyone. I will describe my situation first.
I live with my fiancé in our own house. My partner works fulltime but i have been without fulltime work for over two years now. I never learned to think quickly and communicate my point of view due to my mental health before I met my partner. Now I am only beginning to grasp how to form a conversation properly but I still cant put my point accross without forcing it upon the person. This makes it very difficult in the work world and even more difficult at home. I observe everyone around me and feel as if I am standing in the eye of a hurricane. Everyone around me is rushing around wondering why time goes so fast, and I am standing in stillness loving every moment wondering why they cant just stop rushing and take time to smell the flowers. My partner is right in the centre of the kaos, he does everything so fast eating, working, tasks etc. When he has time to relax he doesnt know what to do. I sit on the couch meditating while he walks around the house looking agitated like he cant relax. I want to help him so badly but I have tried in the past and put him off meditation and yoga all together. I have recently had a realisation where my life may be headed if I dont talk to him aboit everything. He likes fast cars, video games, things that make his heart pump with adrenaline. When I met him I was addicted to those things too but my perception on life has changed and those things give me terrible feelings inside. I have been drawn more and more to nature and dont even feel like work is the right place to be. My soul is telling me I need to get away from the city and go find myself in nature. But the trouble is I cant just leave the life I have now, my partner gave up everything he had to be with me and I promised I would get it all back for him. He is completely consumed by the mainstream and media. I feel am torn between my heart and the need to find my true self. My question is how can I explain this to him and what is the best way to approach the situation?

Sam you have quite the polarity in your life right now. I can fully empathize with your situation as I've been there. If you choose to not follow your own path it can be really easy to hold strong resentment toward your partner and not even know it until it just erupts to the surface. The best way to help someone grow is to plant little seeds in the form of the right Questions to get them thinking. Then sit back and be patient in time they will draw their own conclusions and grow as they need to. You cannot change them directly to any lasting degree I tried this when I was younger and it becomes an ugly control game very quickly!! The thing about Unconditional Love is that it is without judgement. This is not easy for the human mind and what we are taught is our heart. But I believe that your heart has nothing to do with Romance or your partner it is your connection to your higher self that is truly your heart. It is a SOLO JOURNEY!!! That does not mean that you have to live alone just that we are each our own independent person. My advice is to write your partner a letter that way you can collect your thoughts at your own pace and be more sure that you are speaking from your heart.
Eddie

Thank you eddie you have given me strength to find a solution. I truely appreciate it :)

I have another question which is baffling me. How can I find peace at work? I work in the supermarket as service cashier. I am highly sensitive to electronics, others emotions and completely forget who I am and how to breath when im there but I have to work to be able to pay the bills and grocery shopping. My soul is aching for me to get out into nature away from electronics, and when I do I can see my invisible soul path, its so magical. Is there a job that I can get where I can help save the plannet? And how can I explain this to my partner who doesnt care about tge environment and says who cares what you do at least you have a job. I dont want to sound pushy for answers, I am just very overwhelmed at the moment because I am spiralling upward and awakening but my partner is spiralling down with mainstream.

May I say, the first thing is to work to stop feeling like you have to always justify yourself to those around you - especially your partner. If love isn't unconditional then it's not truly love!

It all has to begin with beingness. If you have a genuine question of the soul, ask it now. Speak it out into the universe. Then watch the reflections come back. How are you being invited to be now? In the place you're at?

You've got to dig deep, inside yourself. Find that which is truly you. Then be that. As much as you can. As often as you can. Come what May. No matter how much you love those around you, you can't let this stop you being you.

Authentic creation (like jobs etc) follow authentic being. As you are being, so you create.

If there's hesitancy about who you are, then that's what you create as an experience.

However the more you have the trust in being you, and your own truth, the more you'll create a positive world around you that reflects this.

Hello all!
I see this was posted in its entirely in 2015. Yet today in 2017 a question was posed on facebook regarding empaths and highly sensitive people.

The question was: How do you best deal with life - and how do you unveil the fullness of this divine gift.

Personally I have found the best way to deal with this "wild card" gift is very carefully, moment by moment. If need be, question every single feeling or thought one encounters on a daily basis. That way one's discernment regarding it gets stronger.

It can be very very difficult just doing minute tasks such as grocery shopping. Ive seen the most horrific things in people and yet with the same token, Ive seen the most beautiful things as well.

I don't think personally it will ever be fully unveiled! Ive often found that the moment I think to myself "ahhhh ha!!!" Ive got it, Ive learned it all, I have achieved intelligence haha! Its in that moment that something new is learned.
But when I am able to help another, I just whisper inside to them. Hope. That whatever it is that they need in that moment in time, that its right there for them. Perhaps they just need to shift their perspective a fraction to help themselves in whatever quandary they've found themselves entangled in.
Otherwise what is the point in being able to know what another is going through without being able to help them?!!

"Ive often found that the moment I think to myself "ahhhh ha!!!" Ive got it, Ive learned it all, I have achieved intelligence haha! Its in that moment that something new is learned."

Yes! We must be constantly learning, constantly evolving, constantly unveiling.

What I've noticed in the heightened empaths that come to the Openhand work, is when they can quietly and deeply feel another - inside of them - as you can, when you take on those feelings but don't get lost in them, when you can keep searching for the light in the darkness, then it activates the similar feeling in them - it brings their stuff to the surface so it can be worked on and processed.

... perfect things happen, like me reading this article today. It resonated so strongly, yet at a level so deep I can't grasp it. Can't, well, wrap my mind around it. Yet right now, I feel I don't need to understand with my mind. This deep place inside of my understands. That is enough for right now.

You have to be able to always find your vibe,
no matter what it going on.

That perfectly describes an experience I had this morning during meditation. Seems to be I'm slowly learning, discovering what my vibe feels like.

And can I just come out and say it feels amazing? Dear mind, why would we every want to live another way?

Thanks for reminding us of this article Open. I've read again and picking up different things than before. I am sensing that, as more of my soul is infusing in my body through me doing my work, the easier it is to stay in my vibe when with others. I have often wondered if it's possible to be both a spiritual catalyst and an empath?

It's like my consciousness hones in on what it's supposed to, works with it, but then literally drops it like the proverbial hot coals. Aaaah, I wish!

I feel to share this interview clip with Brene Brown that has really helped me as an empath and as a human being in general :) I find it easier to hold boundaries and stay in my vibe when working with clients, it's outside of that I have often got lost and in empathy overload, especially with family, when I'm ill and been ignoring the signs to slow down or take time out. But I'm getting better at it.

HI Amy - Yes that is an awesome video...I have been reading through her book, "The Gifts of Imperfection" and love the way she expresses things. Boundaries are an ongoing refinemnet for me...one of the biggest connections I had to make, which she mentions in the video is that "Boundaries are not fake walls or separation , they are not division. They are respect." I am finding great joy in listening to that little pull inside that I have often ignored in the past when it comes to how I spend time with people because it felt easier to go along with others plans. ideas etc. I am finding it's not as hard as I thought most the time to speak for what feels right for me (at times its still quite hard and I am not always stepping into that!)... but I am finding that listening to that sense in my gut is increasingly valuable to living authentically and it feels amazing when I honor that...honoring myself and the other with honesty and integrity.

Hi Jen - Just ordered the book you mentioned. Keep getting pulled in the Brene Brown direction and just watched another interview of her with Oprah (I'm supposed to be working but being joyously distracted today!)- about who you share your vulnerability with; I'm in the middle of letting go of expecting my mum (and others, but mum is biggie) to be that person, it just leads to disappointment and pain and yet I keep going back, there's such an expectation there that I am letting go of, of me needing her to behave in a particular way. I am blessed to have friends (and openhanders) with whom I can share my deepest stuff and be held and safe with and respected. I am wondering though on where this goes, there's being honest about your feelings and speaking truth to all but there's also only letting people you can genuinely trust with your pain, shame and so on (and even day to day stuff I've realised), that will work with you in it, rather than fix it, ignore it or come in with their stuff. Not sure now where I'm going with this now except that I'm allowing myself to not show my vulnerability with people who, for one reason or another, can't handle it or have yet to prove, in the words of Brene Brown, that they've earned the privilege to hear it, feel it and witness it. This is my dilemma with sharing on threads too. Aah, now I feel in a loop *SCRATCH* as I am pulled at times to be what I consider vulnerable on threads...

I can relate to what you are sharing and love the softness that comes through. <3

Just offering some of my own experience as a reflection...The question that I have been with inside myself is "what do I perceive I need from others when I share?" I love the way Brene expresses many things but I also see that some of what Brene shares may encourage me to control with whom I share, rather than tuning into how I feel to be in the moment and then releasing the need for it to be received or perceived in a particular way. Though it is important to be authentic, how does that show up for me? Maybe at times in words, through actions, and the one that feels most important is through the energy...just radiating that vibe of You and dealing with feelings that arise when I perceive rejection, judgement, misunderstanding, not being seen or heard. It is so hard!!! I find a part of me wants that feedback loop right here in the physical with the person I want it with! LOL! I try to remember the feedback loop is always there - just not necessarily where I expect it or perceive I need it.

I went through a phase with my mom as well of needing her to see me, hear me, get me and then went the other way and cut off completely because of the hurt I felt. Now I work to be me in her presence - I feel out the way to express that - often not through direct words - but sometimes yes words are effective. The bridge has slowly formed where I can "send through" more and more without the wall reverberating it back. It's been like water slowly widening the river.

Hi Jen
Thank you so much for your sharing, you've nailed it for me but I'm struggling to find words to express that, so I've deleted my words and sending the energy over! Releasing the need for it to be received or perceived in a particular way... Now I work to be me in her presence... To be authentic and in that open up to other ways to express that authenticity.
Thanks Jen, much love x

I love this thread! In my experience what has really helped.me is learning to tune into.my body as an anchor. In the moment ,if I am deeply anchored within ,I can be an observer without trying to energetically fix someone. It's not been an easy lesson at all. And it still ongoing practice when I have negative energy thrown at me to not go into to fight or flight ,but just observe and breathe. And allow myself to feel it without being unduly perturbed .

I felt to feature this article again today...What Spiritual "Empaths" and "Catalysts" might Learn From Each Other (scroll to the top)

It's one of Openhand's most popular subjects and it's getting a lot of traffic of late. The important point we're making is not to fixate on the idea of "Being an Empath" or "Being a Catalyst". These are soul configurations at two ends of a spectrum, but we ALL have those various qualities in different blends. Sure, some people will have stronger catalytic tendencies and others more empathic. But to fixate on either or is likely to create identity, blocking the passage to the presence of the One, and dampening other qualities that you might also have. It also risks creating a victim or oppressor subconscious mentality.

That said, the different polarities can learn greatly from each other's gifts and skills. So if you resonate with the jist, do review the article above. Then I invite you to share the challenges and experiences you've had on the empathic or catalytic. What's going on for you?

This is my fave article and the only one on the internet that presents it this way! I say I don't qualify as an empath because when I first heard that term every single article on the internet had a list of traits that mostly didn't resonate for me. Aside from the fact that I do feel energy and honestly, I think all humans are empaths.

What has really turned me off and gotten me kicked out of most spiritual groups is the victimy, blaming narcissists, energy vampires and not taking responsibility, feeling drained and all around using the label as an excuse.

Deeper self inquiry for me here is I have felt really alone my entire life as I never fit in anywhere. When I had my spiritual awakening I thought I had finally found my place, my tribe but alas, I have shaken up that world too and become the not so popular one again.

I love that I learned about the catalyst element in regards to empathic being. Prior to even knowing of this website I developed a CHANGE program for the participants in my company's programming for people in transition. We began developing and offering a more holistic approach based on empirical evidence. Such evidence pointed out to me that using the words "mentor" or "Counselor" sometimes made people in certain situations see "authority" and shy away. For that reason I said why don't we call them Change agents, or better yet Catalyst Coaches (which is what we decided to go with). I have always loved the word anyway and it means just what we intend it to be for our needs. Anyhow, it was not until the intensive when I heard you mention the word within the realm of being an empath and it clicked with me so hard! I have always been extremely empathic, yet I am not subtle and I am more like a wrecking ball and that has always baffled me because I thought I "should" be a more peaceful person if I am spiritual and/or empathic. When you said that it really got me and I LOVE the freedom it has given me. I guess I am pretty much a 50/50, depending upon the situation, but it is so nice to be able to embrace it for the tool it can be rather than try to reduce the catalytic part of me so that I can be more "spiritual"...

Thank you for your teachings; they are a HUGE catalyst to my evolution :) catalytic

I'm glad this article resonates. About a year ago, there was quite a breakdown in the old Openhand community. I witness there had been quite an imbalance on the 'empathic' side of the equation which was limiting the work - a fair degree of inertia, the sense of being bound into a lack of drive to really move forwards, a degree of reticence about really stepping out; a kind of 'walking on egg shells' so to speak. But since then, the energy has transformed and renewed. It harnesses a balance between both empathic and catalytic, recognising that we must build bridges into other people's reality to help them transform, yes, but transform we must! And we must not be afraid of rattling some cages! To my mind, that's the only way true change is now going to happen.

What I'm witnessing is a new infusion of energy here on Openhandweb, by people willing to call things as they are and make true change happen, both in themselves and the wider world. Not getting bound in to any sense of victimhood. We are here to shake things up, but in a way that is as connective and accessible as possible - as caring and understanding as we can be.

So a profound welcome to you newcomers. You have a place here. You are most welcome. To me it feels like a breath of fresh air.